DGCA Initiates Study on Regulations for Electric Air Taxis

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formed internal working groups to study and develop regulations for electric air taxis in India. This move comes as part of global efforts, led by ICAO, to address the implications of eVTOL aircraft on the aviation industry. No dedicated budget has been allocated for this initiative yet.

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has formed internal working groups to examine various facets of operating electric air taxis and formulate appropriate regulations, the government declared on Monday.

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has set up the Advanced Air Mobility Study Group to evaluate the rapid technological advancements in eVTOL aircraft and their potential repercussions on the aviation ecosystem.

Minister of State for Civil Aviation Murlidhar Mohol informed the Rajya Sabha in a written reply about DGCA's initiative to align with international efforts by forming its own study groups. These groups will analyze regulations from other countries and engage with industry experts and academia to create standards for eVTOL operations in India.

Mohol further noted that there are currently no dedicated budgetary provisions for indigenous research and startups focused on eVTOLs.

(With inputs from agencies.)